Cortisol, Total Test
The total cortisol test measures the total amount of cortisol, a hormone, in a blood sample. Quest lists it under names including stress hormone, adrenal cortisol, hydrocortisone and total cortisol.
About this test
Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. This test reports the total concentration of cortisol in a serum sample, analyzed using an immunoassay.
Because cortisol naturally varies through the day and can be affected by many factors, a single result is read by a clinician together with symptoms, history and the reason the test was ordered, rather than as a stand-alone answer.
Test details
| Quest code | 367 |
|---|---|
| Methodology | Immunoassay |
| Sample type | 1 mL serum |
| Patient preparation | Note: Assay not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay. |
| Collection | Quest patient service center |
Related tests and panels
Quest resources
Additional details
What this test looks at
The test reports one value: the total concentration of cortisol in a serum sample, measured using immunoassay. Quest lists it under several names, including stress hormone, adrenal cortisol, hydrocortisone and total cortisol, all referring to the same measurement.
Order online and a physician order is included — no doctor's visit and no insurance needed. Your sample is collected at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Laboratory results should always be interpreted by a licensed clinician who knows your health history. This page is information about a test, not medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
What does the total cortisol test measure?
It measures the total amount of cortisol, a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, in a serum sample using immunoassay.
How is the sample collected?
The test uses a serum sample from a routine blood draw at a Quest Diagnostics patient service center.
Do I need to prepare for a cortisol test?
Quest lists a note about medications for this test. You'll find it in Quest's words in the test details on this page.
Why might a clinician order a cortisol test?
Quest describes cortisol as increased in Cushing's Disease and decreased in Addison's Disease, and elevated cortisol has also been associated with difficult-to-control type 2 diabetes. A clinician orders the test to help evaluate one of these possibilities, alongside other findings.
Is this the same as a salivary or urine cortisol test?
No. This is a blood test measuring total cortisol in serum. Saliva- or urine-based cortisol tests are separate products with their own collection methods.
What does a Cortisol Total test cost without insurance?
$45. Celio Health's price is a flat cash price and insurance is never billed: the required physician's order is included.
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Note: Assay not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this assay. This is the preparation Quest publishes for this test; if your clinician gives you different instructions, follow theirs.